We welcome everyone to pitch their true stories for SpeakeasyDC stage. -- whether you've taken one of our classes or not. Whether it's your first time or your tenth time.  All of the stories that end up on the SpeakeasyDC stage are workshopped with a SpeakeasyDC story coach in advance, from one to several rehearsals. Note that your story must be autobiographical, have a complete narrative arc, and relate to the theme. Below are shows for which we are currently casting. Click to fill out online story pitch form. See below for more information about each show.  

SpeakeasyDC's 2nd Tuesday Storytelling Series   (every 2nd Tues of the month at Town. Best to pitch at least 2 months in advance)

SpeakeasyDC's Pride show (June 5 at 9:30 Club)

SpeakeasyDC's monthly 2nd Tuesday Series

Specify theme w/ dropdown box on the form and note when the rehearsal date is. Attending one rehearsal approximately two weeks before the show is mandatory. See list of upcoming shows.. PITCH YOUR STORY at least six weeks before show of choice. 

How to make a good story pitch

There needs to be a plot. Something needs to happen and something needs to change.
Help us understand what is at stake -- what matters -- in this story. What is your driving desire?
Try to focus on one narrative event rather than tackling an epic life story or having a series of examples. We prefer a genuine arc with a beginning, middle, and end.
Be sure it's a story not an essay. If there is no protaganist, desire, conflict, and change, it is not a story
Show, don't tell. This means recreate scenes so we can "be there" and avoid exposition
Make sure you know why this story has meaning to you and why it's something you want to share.
 

How we score stories for SpeakeasyDC's Top Shelf

Story Crafting – 10 points (50%)

• Is it a story (vs. anecdote, stand-up routine, lecture, etc.)?
• Does it have the elements of a good story (conflict, action, characters, insight meaning, change)?
• Is the story visual? Can you picture the scenes described?
• Is the story suspenseful? Does it have high stakes?

Performance – 5 points (25%)

• Is the teller authentic?
• Does the teller have vulnerable or revealing moments?
• Is the performance entertaining or moving?

Originality – 5 points (25%)

• Is the story memorable?
• Is the story surprising?
• Is the story crafted or structured in an interesting or unusual way?